The Rho GTPase Cdc42 is required for primary mammary epithelial cell morphogenesis in vitro.

ABSTRACT: The Rho GTPase Cdc42 is overexpressed and hyperactivated in breast cancer, and several studies have described mechanisms by which it may promote tumor formation and progression. However, little is known about the role of Cdc42 during normal mammary epithelial cell (MEC) morphogenesis. Here we aimed to define the precise role for Cdc42 during primary mammary acinus formation in vitro. For these studies, MECs were isolated from Cdc42fl/fl conditional knockout mice, transduced with Adeno-cre-GFP virus to delete Cdc42 or Adeno-GFP control virus, and effects on morphogenesis were investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) culture assay. Interestingly, markedly fewer mammary acini developed in Cdc42 deficient cultures, and the acini that formed were significantly smaller and disorganized. Cellu

SUBMITTER: Bray K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3265815 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature